Searched on this forum but didn't find much. I was wondering how you guys label your turnings? I see that some people buy branding irons, some people engrave them freehand, and I've even seen mention of people using laser printed transfers with acetone or lacquer.

I don't think I'm ready to commit to purchasing a $150 custom branding iron. I do have a wood burning tool that I could use freehand to label something but wanted to hear your ideas for labeling without too much costs involved.

A few videos I've seen on youtube related to laser print transfer makes it look like the ink is not very vibrant. And I'm concerned about how durable something like that would be.

I use an archival pen (similar to a Sharpie but won't fade) on the bottom or a discrete spot on ornaments. Then I apply the finish over the signature after the ink has had a chance to dry. I don't remember the name of the pens, but I bought them at Hobby Lobby.

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Rob Grindler

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Posts: 256

kelownaBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Re: Labeling your projects?Reply #3 - Oct 27th, 2016 at 11:41am

Something I haven't been doing either is sign/name pieces ,but wonder about.Do people sign their signature ( mine is unreadable) Or do you print your name in block letters? or do you use a business type name .

I was just curious. I saw some hand made bowls that had a tastefully small brand that said "Handcrafted by YOUR NAME". I also watched a video where a guy made his own brand that he heated with a blow torch. It was very small and he used a file to remove away parts of the metal.

The trouble with a branding iron is that you need a dead flat place to use it. That is usually not the case. Also you would be left to figure out a method to show the wood species and date. A fine point burner works well and is permanent.

I put name date and wood type usually on the bottom of a piece using a Pigma® Micron® Archival Black Ink Pen. Probably will fade eventually, but on the bottom of a piece that is never exposed to light, I think it would be a very long way off. And people DO like pieces signed...yes, even the small turned mushrooms. With a little practice and a fine point pen you can do a pretty nice job of signing almost anything.

I bought a branding stamp, disapointed, never flat surface, wrong temp, double strikes, etc. never use it now. For flat work I use a self inking stamp, for turnings I use a pen. Sign them some day some body may be proud to own one of your pieces.

I use "The Detailer" wood burner by Colwood with a small round tip on raw wood. My experience is it is best to write the text first with #2 pencil and change layout as needed, then use wood burner over the pencil marks. Light sanding with 400 grit to remove stray pencil lines, then apply finish.